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Costa Rica, Panama from the Atlantic to the Pacific via the Panama Canal: 13 days San Jose to San Jose

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Operated by Emerald Cruises
Tripcode: AU-272e01b6a0c65457e
Overview
Destination:
Costa Rica
Start:San Jose, Costa Rica
Finish:San Jose, Costa Rica
Duration:13 days
Travel Period
January 2028 - January 2028

Untamed beauty and timeless wonders on a voyage through Central America

Cruise vibrant coastlines passing lush national parks and explore pristine tropical islands on a cruise that balances luxury, exploration and natural wonder.
Embark on this 13-day Central America voyage on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht; an extraordinary journey that naturalists and lovers of natural beauty will find of particular interest. Setting sail from Puerto Caldera you’ll cruise along Costa Rica’s west coast, stopping to witness the rich biodiversity of Curú National Wildlife Refuge, the first of its kind in this Central American nation. Relax on the pristine, white sandy beaches of Isla Tortuga, with the opportunity to snorkel amongst colourful marine life, before reaching Quepos, a thriving harbour town on the Pacific Coast, popular for its sport fishing and ecotourism. Surf, sail and swim amid the unspoilt beauty of Golfito Bay, home to some of the planet’s richest biodiversity, before cruising onwards to Panama to explore UNESCO World Heritage-listed Darién National Park, one of Central America’s most important and largest protected areas. On your luxury yacht, you’ll then navigate through the historic Panama Canal, a feat of engineering, considered one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Modern World.’ You’ll experience the stunning archipelago of Bocas del Toro, in Panama, abundant with tropical rainforests and coral reefs, before returning to Costa Rica and your final stop, the vibrant city of Puerto Limón.
Standard inclusions
  • 12 nights on board an Emerald Cruises luxury yacht
  • 1 post night hotel
  • Airport transfers to and from the ship
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises Tour Manager
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • 35 superb meals including 12 Breakfasts (B), 11 lunches (L), 12 Dinners (D)
  • Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks & selected cocktails throughout the day.
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica

Your exciting Central America adventure begins in Costa Rica and the port city of Puerto Caldera. From here, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht and embark on your discovery of Panama and Costa Rica’s stunning west coast.

Please book your flight to arrive into San Jose prior to 02:00 PM.

Day 2 - Curú & Isla Tortuga, Costa Rica

The Curú National Wildlife Refuge and Farm are situated in Nicoya Peninsula in north-west Costa Rica. Some of the country’s most beautiful beaches and protected bays can be discovered here. Costa Rica’s first private national wildlife refuge is a prime example of a successful sustainable development program. You can still see cattle grazing, as well as tropical fruits such as mangoes, cultivated here.   

You’ll also get to experience Isla Tortuga, one of the top-ranked destinations in Costa Rica, about an hour away from the shores of Nicoya Peninsula. Isla Tortuga boasts a pristine sandy beach edged with palm trees. Today, relax at the beach, enjoy a hike, or go snorkelling in the crystalline turquoise waters.

Day 3 - Quepos, Costa Rica

Today, you’ll arrive in Quepos, a small, booming harbour town, popular as one of the prime spots for sport fishing as well as the gateway to the well-known Manuel Antonio National Park. As a tropical inlet backed by lush rainforest, the park offers a variety of outdoor adventures. After the decline of the banana plantations that laid the foundations for the port, Quepos replaced its former industry with ecotourism – resulting in many new attractions, including kayaking and canopy tours. Quepos is also frequented by numerous scientists and naturalists, who come to study this region's fantastic biodiversity.

Day 4 - Golfito, Costa Rica

Golfito Bay is a ‘gulf within a gulf,’ well-known for its unspoiled landscape framed by the lush mangroves of Corcovado and Piedras Blancas national parks. This is home to some of the richest biodiversity on the planet and lies within one of the most vibrant destinations in Costa Rica. Here, eco-adventurers, boaters, surfers, and outdoor lovers come to explore and connect with nature, enjoying an array of fun and exciting activities on offer. A hidden gem where the Costa Rican jungle meets the sea, Marina Golfito invites you to experience Costa Rica from a stunning new perspective.

Day 5 - Isla Cebaco, Panama

Welcome to Cebaco Island, which lies within the province of Veraguas and is part of the buffer zone of Coiba Island National Park. Cebaco is Panama’s third-largest island after Coiba Island and Isla del Rey. Nowadays, it’s estimated there are around 500 inhabitants living on the island, mainly distributed in communities in the northern parts. Isla Cebaco is also known for its gorgeous beaches.

Day 6 - Playa del Muerto - Darién National Park, Panama

The Darién National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site covering approximately 5,750 square-kilometres (2,220-square-miles). This vast park is among the largest and most precious protected areas in all of Central America, extending across almost the entire Panama-Colombia border, as well as a stretch to the Pacific Ocean. Darién National Park offers an exceptional variety of habitats – sandy beaches, rocky coasts, swamps, mangroves, and tropical forests – which makes it the perfect home for diverse wildlife. There are two indigenous tribes known to both Panama and Costa Rica, which today, reside along the park’s riverbanks.

Day 7 - Pearl Islands, Panama

Today, discover the Pearl Islands, located on the Pacific Coast of Panama, in the Gulf of Panama. Cruise to one of the 200 or so islands and islets, many of them, tiny and uninhabited and enjoy the superb beaches and beautiful coral reefs. Nowadays, you won’t be able to find any pearls; as the name alludes to; however, you’ll have the opportunity to spot numerous varieties of multi-coloured tropical fish and marine life.

Day 8 - Panama City, Panama

Famous for its striking skyline, populated by high-rise buildings and skyscrapers that reflect contemporary architectural styles, Panama City, the capital of Panama, presents a vibrant and dynamic metropolis, characterised by its unique blend of modernity and history. Located at the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal, the city is a significant hub for international trade and finance, which contributes to its economic growth and development. In contrast, the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) offers a glimpse into Panama city’s fascinating history, with its colonial-era buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming plazas.

Day 9 - Transit Panama Canal

Today, you pass through the Panama Canal, the most famous attraction in Panama. Considered one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Modern World,’ this man-made canal was built to significantly decrease the travel time for ships between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Since its completion in 1914, the Panama Canal has seen in excess of 900,000 vessels and is regarded by many as a feat of engineering, which was originally considered impossible to build. On board your luxury yacht, you’ll experience this historic waterway for yourself.

Day 10 - Bocas del Toro, Panama

This stunning archipelago, located off the northwestern coast of Panama, in the Caribbean Sea, is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and diverse ecosystems: the region is rich in biodiversity, featuring tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and mangroves. The area is a melting pot of cultures, influenced by indigenous communities, Afro-Caribbean heritage and expat communities, a diversity of which is reflected in the local cuisine, music, traditions, and festivals.

Day 11 - Puerto Limón, Costa Rica

Welcome back to Costa Rica. Located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Puerto Limón is the country's primary port and a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. Known for its lush tropical surroundings and beautiful beaches, Puerto Limón serves as a crucial hub for Costa Rican trade and tourism.

Day 12 - Puerto Limón, Costa Rica > San Josè, Costa Rica

Your time on board your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht comes to an end in Puerto Limón. After bidding farewell to the crew, from the yacht, you’ll be transferred to San Josè,where you’ll stay overnight.

Day 13 - San Josè, Costa Rica

Today, your Central American adventure concludes in San Josè, the vibrant capital of Costa Rica. From here, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home. or to continue your holiday.   

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will be operated unaltered from the itinerary stated above.

Departure dates

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Travellers

Operator
Emerald Cruises

Discover the world with Emerald Cruises. Whether you’re travelling to unspoilt islands or bustling metropolises, our fleet of river-cruising Star-Ships and ocean-going luxury yachts guarantee an unparalleled voyage. Enjoy modern exploration, pairing authentic adventures with inimitable luxury. Founded in 2013, and first sailing as Emerald Waterways in 2014, Emerald Cruises is an award-winning travel operator specialising in deluxe river cruises and luxury yacht cruises. Just one year later, in 2014, the first Star-Ship, Emerald Sky, set sail. Our extensive fleet of Star-Ships are custom-built to sail Europe’s iconic Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rhȏne, Saône and Douro rivers, as well as the majestic Mekong River in Southeast Asia, with each ship featuring a range of stylish innovations. Whether you’re travelling by river or sea, your luxury vessel will dock in the heart of amazing destinations. In 2024, we celebrate 10 years of Emerald Cruises by introducing the next generation of superyachts: Emerald Kaia, launching in early 2026.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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